But of course great architecture is not limited solely to those huge cultural institutions downtown. We have lovely buildings tucked away in our neighborhoods and along old country roads. Even a particularly well designed Dairy Queen or White Castle can become an architectural icon over the years.

So here’s the deal – I’d like you to look around your neighborhood and pick out your favorite building (I’m guessing many of you already have one in mind). Take a picture of it, and send it to me (mcombs@mpr.org) with a short paragraph on why it’s your favorite.

I’ll post the results, and we can all revel in what a cool state we live in, architecturally speaking.

To get us started, here’s my personal pic. You don’t need to be Catholic to appreciate the dramatic lines and smooth curves of the Church of St. Columba in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. Enjoy!